USDA Forest Service · California
Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, CA)
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 13
- Hookups
- 9 with water, 9 no hookups
- Season
- May 22 to October 31
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,797 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- JACKS MEADOW (NFSR 24N29X) · native material · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Phone
- N/A
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Large landscape views of trees and valleys can be seen along the six mile drive to Silver Lake. Sitting at just over 6,000 ft in elevation, the Silver lake campground set up for solitude and tranquility. The sites are spread out and isolated to provide for an optimal quiet experience to enhance the camping experience. Easy access to hiking trails, high alpine lakes and OHV riding is just a short distance from the campground.
Recreation
High alpine lakes, granite boulders and blue bird skies are treats for those who camp here. Access to hiking is located along the eastern side of Silver Lake. Continue up and on to Bucks Summit on the PCT or climb the prominent Spanish Peak where the ole look out once stood.
OHV routes also leave from the campground area but were severely impacted by the Dixie Fire in 2021 and have not been maintained so be aware of hazard trees and other debris that might slow down your route.
Facilities
There are eight first come/ first serve campsites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and food storage locker.
No trash service is provided
Vault toilets are located in two areas of the campground
Parking for day use and hiking is located near the lake by the vault toilets
The Mount Hough Ranger Station maintains this campground and uses the fees collected to purchase cleaning supplies, toilet paper and general cleaning of campsites.
Natural Features
High alpine lakes, granite boulders and blue bird skies are treats for those who camp here. Access to hiking is located along the eastern side of Silver Lake. Continue up and on to Bucks Summit on the PCT or climb the prominent Spanish Peak where the ole look out once stood.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 283-0555.
Fees
$15 per night standard rate
The fee station is located at the information station by campsite 1
Pay with the QR Code directly to REC.gov if the app is preloaded onto your portable device
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 22° | 8° | 53° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 39° | 22° | 1° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 40° | 23° | 6° | 74° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 49° | 28° | 9° | 67° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 64° | 39° | 25° | 77° | 3 of 11 |
| June | 73° | 46° | 31° | 92° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 85° | 55° | 43° | 95° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 84° | 55° | 47° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 75° | 47° | 37° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 64° | 36° | 25° | 76° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 46° | 29° | 10° | 62° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 38° | 23° | 6° | 55° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Rock Creek Campground (CA) · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 10 sites
- Mill Creek Campground (Plumas) · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi · 11 sites
- Whitehorse Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 19 sites
- Hallsted · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 20 sites
- Meadow Camp Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 10 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.